8/13/25
- Fr. Patrick Bush
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Short enough to read in a minute, but deep enough to ponder all day.
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” — John 7:37-38
Context
These words come during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a joyful celebration of God’s past provision and a prayer for future blessing. On the final day of the feast, priests would pour water from the Pool of Siloam at the temple altar, recalling God’s gift of water in the wilderness (Exodus 17) and anticipating the day when God would pour out His Spirit on His people (Joel 2). At this very moment, Jesus stands and declares that He is the true source of living water.
Other Old Testament passages that relate to living water: Isaiah 55:1, Jeremiah 2:13, Ezekiel 47
Meaning (Three things to Remember)
The “thirst” is deeper than physical need—it is the soul’s longing for God’s presence and life.
Jesus is the true source of life – The “living water” is not a teaching, ritual, or place—it’s Jesus Himself, offering the Spirit to quench our deepest spiritual thirst.
Faith opens the flow – Believing in Him is more than agreement; it’s trusting Him so fully that His life fills us and reshapes us from within.
Blessed to be a blessing – The Spirit’s work in us is not meant to stay contained; it naturally overflows to bring God’s life, healing, and hope to others.
Reflection
Where do you notice spiritual thirst in your life today? And where might God want to use you as a stream of refreshment for someone else?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, quench my deepest thirst with Your presence, and let Your living water flow through me into the lives of others. Amen.
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